SOLSKJAER: WE NEED SIGNINGS TO PIP PEP

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER congratulated Manchester city on winning the premier League title and admitted he needs new signings this summer to compete with pep Guardiola next season. after Manchester United’s first League defeat in 15 games at home to Leicester saw city crowned champions, Solskjaer was looking at how he can close the gap. ‘if you want to take up the challenge with them we need to strengthen our squad,’ said the United boss. ‘congratulations to them. They’ve had a fantastic season but i’m very pleased with my boys that we have made it to the last 10 days with a city side ahead of us that are lauded as the best in europe. ‘We want to take the next step and it might be that we need a couple more to strengthen the squad.’ having tied edinson cavani to a new one-year contract, it’s understood United are looking to bring goalkeeper Tom heaton back to Old Trafford from aston Villa on a free transfer — a move that would cast further doubt over David de Gea’s future. Solskjaer made 10 changes for United’s third game in six days ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Liverpool, who saw their topfour hopes dented by Leicester’s win. however the Norwegian defended his team selection after giving League debuts to amad Diallo and anthony elanga. ‘it’s unheard of,’ he added. ‘it is impossible for players to perform at this level Thursday,

Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday.’ ironically, United conceded the winner at a corner immediately after sending on cavani and Marcus Rashford for Diallo and elanga in the 66th minute. Solskjaer admitted it was the wrong moment to make subs but felt referee craig pawson should have awarded a throwin instead. ‘That’s one of those golden rules, isn’t it? You don’t make subs (when defending a corner),’ he said. ‘it should have been a throw-in but we should have done better.’ captain harry Maguire faces a race against time to be fit for the europa League final against Villarreal on May 26 after suffering ankle ligament damage in Sunday’s win at aston Villa. Maguire was on crutches at Old Trafford last night and Solskjaer said: ‘he’s obviously had the scans and the good news is there is no fracture. There’s ligament damage but hopefully he’ll be ready for the final.’ Leicester boss Brendan n Rodgers was delighted to clinch three vital points s before his side face chelsea in Saturday’s Fa cup final at Wembley. ‘it’s a huge step,’ said Rodgers. ‘We’ve got to 66 points now but there are still two games to go. We can get ready to take on the e champions League finalists and a chance for or history at the weekend.’ ’